Downtown Association Gains New Executive Director

"This is very exciting for ADHDA and Astoria," said ADHDA President Dulcye Taylor. "We've been fortunate to have assistance from the RARE (Resource Assistance for Rural Environments) program for the past three years, but it's not meant as a substitute for a long-term staffing solution," she explained. "We've been focused on the goal of permanent staffing for almost four years," she said, noting that the organization has not had permanent staff since the early 1990s. "This will help ensure continuity and momentum for the future," she added.

Garner recently completed her second year as the downtown coordinator and RARE volunteer for the city of LaGrande, an Oregon Mainstreet community. In her role, Alana helped revitalize a signature community event, and in 2013 LaGrande saw its best-attended and most successful "Crazy Days" ever.

Alana also worked with a LaGrande radio station to produce "Local Look," a regular segment on all things local, which quickly expanded to "Community Conversations," a 15-20 minute segment on all things LaGrande. She worked closely with the LaGrande downtown association's board of directors and committees, and made significant contributions to the program's development during her tenure.

A Virginia native, Alana graduated from Virginia Tech University with a degree in urban policy and planning. She is passionate about economic development, entrepreneurship and historic preservation.

"I am eager to start working with the Astoria Downtown Historic District Association, and continue the great efforts in downtown Astoria. I look forward to exploring the community, sampling a few local breweries, and calling Astoria home."